Apprenticeships expand in Southwest Missouri

With apprenticeships on the rise across Southwest Missouri, there is much to celebrate for the second annual National Apprenticeship Week, November 14-20. Communities large and small recognized the important role Apprentices play in offering employers an opportunity to develop a highly skilled workforce to help grow their business and career seekers the chance to earn a salary while learning the skills necessary to succeed.

Crowder College will recognize Branco Enterprises, Inc. on Thursday, Nov. 17, 10:30am in the Dell Reed Technical Education Center. Branco has devoted their time and efforts in creating this apprenticeship opportunity. The event will feature students in the program as well as representatives from Branco, Crowder, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Job Centers at Joplin, Monett, and Neosho are strong gateways to work-based learning through groups such as the Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship, IBEW, and the latest program to join the ranks with Branco at Crowder College. WIB leaders are joining forces with Catholic Charities to launch a new construction apprenticeship and social enterprise set to launch in the Spring of 2017.

ApprenticeshipUSA offers employers in every industry the tools to develop a highly skilled workforce to help grow their business. For workers, ApprenticeshipUSA offers opportunities to earn a salary while learning the skills necessary to succeed in high-demand careers. ApprenticeshipUSA exemplifies high standards, instructional rigor, and quality training. Whether you are an employer looking to hire, train or retain a skilled workforce, or a worker looking for a new career in a well-paying occupation, ApprenticeshipUSA will help you achieve your goals.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $200,000 grant to Missouri’s Division of Workforce Development to help expand work-based learning through the Apprenticeship-USA Accelerator Grant. The funds help integrate apprenticeship into the Show-Me State’s education and workforce systems; engage industry and other partners in expanding apprenticeship to new sectors and new populations at scale; conduct outreach and work with employers to start new programs; promote greater inclusion and diversity in apprenticeship, and implement state incentives and system reforms.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri TTY User: 1-800-735-2966 or 711 for Relay Missouri.This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the contracting agency and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.Read More >>>